Southern California commuter rail operator Metrolink is cutting commuter rail service. Metrolink is facing increased operational costs, and shortfalls in fares and annual county contributions. Advocates are pushing for the state, and L.A. and Orange Counties, to step up to prevent further service cuts.
Recently Metrolink has experienced reliability issues with its newer diesel locomotives.
Per a March Metrolink staff report, “Persistent parts shortages have negatively impacted the Agency’s ability to repair trains when mechanical issues arise.” The shortage led to trains being taken out of service for extended periods. Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle decided to “temporarily reduce service on trains with modest ridership” effective March 23.
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